The best day ever

On the way to school, Tyler pronounced today THE BEST DAY EVER. We got snow, plus a new president! How much better can it get???

We woke up to unexpected snow, which thrilled the kids. School was not canceled. Here is a picture showing how they felt about that call.


Stephanie and I drug in a TV for our kids to watch the inauguration this morning. Many of the children wondered if the new president would come to our school. My dad is in Washington for the inauguration, but I never saw him in the crowds. I was so proud that he was there that I pretended that I saw him anyway! Aretha Franklin's hat got much approval from the preschool age group, that's for sure!!!

I have had many inquiries about why I have not been blogging. Two words...CHRISTMAS and WEDDING. Christmas break did not turn out to be quite the break I needed it to be!!! Becky's wedding is in 2 days...2 DAYS! I am ready for it to be over so I can sleep at night! It is so exciting, but so nerve-wracking! So, I promise that after a good long nap on Sunday, I will blog. It might not be much, but I will get back in the swing of things! Wish us luck on wedding day!

My Son

This is my 8 year old son, Tyler. As I have said on many occasions, he is my soul walking around outside my body. We are two peas in a pod, I am afraid. I passed down many terrible traits to him, both personality-wise and physically. He has my bony legs and feet, my teeth, a constant tummy-ache, the need to save and collect everything, my fine art of being sloppy, my moodiness, and my reading obsession. I tried, but he got all these things from me anyway. We get each other, though. Being empathetic towards his flaws does not make it any easier, though.

I am afraid we won't make it to his 9th birthday. One of us isn't going to make it, anyway.

Tyler was the best baby, toddler, and small child. So obedient, polite, and a joy to be around. I could take him anywhere and people would always comment on what a precious child he was. I knew it wouldn't last forever, but I hoped, deep down inside, that I was wrong.

Now he is 8. And potty humor reigns supreme. He loves Power Rangers and Pokemon cards. He lives to harass his little sister. He pushes, screams, and scares her on an hourly basis. Let's not even discuss behavior in the car. I'd rather take a bobcat on a road trip. His room is ALWAYS a pigsty. He drips toothpaste from one end of the bathroom to the other. He pops the knees out of new jeans within a month of getting them. And, he will wear the same socks for days on end if no one intervenes.

I. HAVE. A. SON.

And he is a doozie. I get so frustrated with him, and just when I am at my breaking point, I will hear him whisper, "Hey Em. Will you sleep with me tonight?" Or, "I'll play Polly Pockets with you if you want." Maybe he'll be human afterall.

In the car this week, he asked me what it meant to be mature. I thought about it a while and felt it was easier to explain what it meant to be immature. We talked about different examples of maturity versus immaturity, and he sat back and took that all in. Then he said, "So basically, I am mature at school and church, but immature at home and in the car." Yes, Tyler, that is exactly right. Anywhere you are with your mother, you are immature. I guess I'd rather have him be mature for other people than me...

But, at the end of the day, he is my precious boy and I love him beyond words. So concerned about his friends' feelings and looks out for kids that need extra help. So deep in his faith at such a young age. So crazy about his family.

If you'll excuse me, I have to go wade through piles of webkinz and legos and Magic Tree House books to get to his dirty clothes.

My favorite gifts

I have decided that since I am out of school and have some time to blog, I am going to devote each day to someone in my family. Today is yet another crazy day, so that might not happen. But, I will TRY!!!

Ahhhhh...

Today is the first day in a long time that I have had time to just breathe. I have lots to do around the house, but for the first time in weeks, NOTHING has to be done TODAY. I am officially on my Christmas break, so maybe I can get caught up on blogging. I never blogged about Halloween, Senior High Retreat, or Thanksgiving and I don't know if I ever will!!! I am just going to pick up with December.

We went to see Santa Claus last night. I THOUGHT Thursday would be a great night, but I was so wrong. We waited for an hour to see the big man, but we were waiting on Brent for dinner anyway so it was fine. I did not make the kids dress up this year, per Tyler's request. He also gave me an ultimatum while in line...no more Santa pictures after age 10. I told him we would see. I know he is questioning things and that I am lucky to still have him believing at 8, but deep down, he knows. I know he does. But, he just plays along with it all. I think for my sake!

I had my class party yesterday and it was my last day of school until January 6th. I so need this break to take some time for myself. I love to do for others, but I have to remind myself that I am no help to anyone if I am a Grinch.

Involuntary blog break

Ever since I have gotten back from Dallas at the beginning of November, it has been a constant stream of deadlines and commitments. I am a bit at the end of my rope, but I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Tonight is my only night home this week and I am using it to play catch-up with my life. It feels good to get caught up a little! Everything should settle down a bit after this weekend and I can get back to blogging about our misadventures!

A dream come true!

Ok, so I spent the past few days at the NAEYC conference in Dallas. About 20,000 preschool and kindergarten teachers under one roof...you can only imagine.

Being the insane Sesame Street fan that I am, I nearly wet my pants when I found out that Bob would be teaching a music class at the conference. I got to play the hand bells with him on the stage. It was very exciting! I got to meet him and get a picture with him. He was so great and so genuinely glad to meet everyone. He did ask me how old the girl I was buying his newest cd for was...I was like, "33...you got a problem with that?"